PUPPET // KATSUKI BAKUGO [1]

Chapter 62 // Wondering

You entered the underground headquarters of the Shie Hassaikai with the tired sigh. You slipped off your hoodie and threw in through the open door of your room as you passed by before continuing to Chisaki's office.

When you arrived, you knocked once before pushing open the door. Chisaki was sitting at his desk, and he was the only one in the room.

"Got your toy," you said, shaking the box in your hands as Chisaki lifted his head to look at you,

"Lovely," he commented. "Drop it off in Eri's room, will you? I've got some stuff to do, very busy."

You scanned the man's desk, looking at all the papers and blueprints that were scattered around, and you couldn't help but wonder.

"Chisaki, what is it exactly that you do?" you asked.

You kicked the door shut with your foot before setting Eri's toy on one of the nearby couches. You walked over to Chisaki, who now stared at you with narrowed eyes.

"Would you like my answer or the answer society likes to give?" he asked, and you brushed a few papers away to clear a spot for yourself to sit on the edge of his desk.

You crossed your arms, saying, "how about both?"

"Very well," Chisaki sighed while leaning back in his chair. "In society's eyes, I am trying to destroy the world, make people miserable. They think I'm this evil person. In reality, I'm trying to create balance, a world where such things as heroes and throwing our quirks at each other doesn't exist. The world needs balance. Bad needs good—"

"—and good needs bad," you finished. "Everything has a counterpart."

"You understand, hm?" Chisaki hummed.

"It's simple with the way you say it," you replied while standing. You grabbed Eri's toy and headed for the door. "Get something spicy for dinner. The fish last night was appalling."

"Your wish is my command, I suppose," was all Chisaki said before allowing you to leave.

You began your journey toward Eri's room, wondering what true intentions were lingering in the back of your creator's mind.

¥¥¥

Bakugo sprinted down the busy streets of Japan, dodging clueless citizens and hopping over cars.

He had only moments ago helped the knocked out cashier to her feet. It turns out she hit her head on the way down, but she was conscious and able enough to give Bakugo a copy of the stores security footage. In other words, he had evidence, and he needed to find Aizawa immediately.

As he continued to run back in the direction of the dorms, ignoring angered bystanders, Bakugo pulled out his phone and called his homeroom teacher.

"I'm in a meeting. Can I call you back later?" Aizawa said upon answering the call.

Bakugo could hear many voices in the background, but he didn't care to wonder who they were.

"No, you can't," the boy replied. "Here's a piece of information for you. [L/N] is alive, very alive."

"...what?" Aizawa eventually whispered.

A harsh "shh" from the man silenced the chatter on his side of the call, and Bakugo was forced to come to a stop at a crowded crosswalk.

"You heard me. She's alive, alive and well and fucking stubborn as she always is," Bakugo explained.

"You're sure it was her?" Aizawa asked, still in disbelief.

"Yes! It was her!" Bakugo screamed in frustration, gaining the attention of many citizens, but he could care less about what they thought of him. "I know my girlfriend. Yes, she looked...odd. Anyone who's been missing for days, weeks, would, but it was her. I know it was."

"Hold on. I'm putting you on speaker," Aizawa stated.

"Wha—speaker?" Bakugo questioned. "Who the hell are you with?"

"I said I was in a meeting," Aizawa said. "We're discussing Overhaul's recent activity and making future plans, but that can wait. I need you to explain exactly what happened."

"Fine," Bakugo sighed. He took a moment to calm himself and decided against rushing anymore. He crossed the street with the rest of the crowd as soon as the light turned red and began explaining.

"Deku wanted me to go pick up a toy for Kota for his birthday in December since we've all been so busy, and he wasn't sure he'd get one in time," the boy began. "I found a department store. I don't remember the name, but I went inside. I found some stuff and went to check out, but I had to wait behind this hooded figure. It was [L/N]. She asked the cashier for a specific toy and the lady went to get it. When she came back with it, [L/N] took it and began to run. I didn't know it was her until she turned around. I...I tried to stop her, but...she's used some other ability, used it on the cashier too. Sensei, I don't know what Overhaul's been doing to her, but she has at least one other quirk."

The call fell silent, and Bakugo had to pull his phone away from his ear for a moment to make sure it didn't disconnect.

"I have the security footage," he continued, wanting to include the information. "The cashier gave it to me after I helped her. It shows everything."

"Bring it to us," Aizawa said. "I'll send our location."

Bakugo couldn't help but wonder who "us" was as Aizawa ended the call. However, he wasn't going to be wondering for long.

He wasn't just wondering anymore. He knew. He knew you were alive, and, even if you weren't the same person you used to be, you were alive. That meant there was a chance. He had hope, something he hadn't had in what felt like forever.

[EDITED]